Breast Reconstruction

What Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

Breast reconstruction is performed following a mastectomy due to breast cancer or other medical condition. The procedure is considered to be reconstructive surgery and not cosmetic, and health insurers should cover it after mastectomy surgery according to the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act. A mastectomy removes part or all of the breast, including the nipple and areola, depending on the location and size of the cancerous cells.

The loss of one or two breasts can have a negative effect on a woman’s self-esteem and psychology, as well as the quality of life, and Toronto breast reconstruction can help improve them. Breast reconstructions replaces the breast tissue, skin and, if necessary, nipple to recreate the normal appearance, shape and size of the original breast. While a reconstructed breast will look close to natural, it may not feel or have the same sensation as the one that was removed. This is just one of the issues that Dr. Marietta Zorn, a noted Toronto plastic surgeon, covers during his detailed consultations with his patients.

Breast reconstruction is not just a physical procedure, but it can affect a woman mentally and emotionally as well. Patients need to thoroughly understand all implications and be fully aware of the nature of the procedure, the recovery issues and the expected results.

Toronto Breast Reconstruction

Toronto breast reconstruction may be performed either at the time of the mastectomy or later after the recovery from the initial surgery and chemo treatments. The surgical procedure may use either breast implants to create the shape and size of the new breast or flaps of tissue from other parts of the body such as the buttocks, abdomen, thighs or back. The surgeon will decide which option is the most suitable based on the specifics of each case. All surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and depending on the nature of the procedure, it can take from one to six hours.